Warrington Anglers Association member's catch of a lifetime

AFTER a number of weeks with very few catch reports, thank goodness it has changed for the better this week.

On Friday, James Lafferty enjoyed a fantastic session on a flooded Grey Mist Mere when he caught 18 tench, with five over 7lbs 0ozs 0drs and a total weight of easily in excess of 100lbs.

The highlights of the day being a 7-12-0 (new PB) and a 7-7-0 male fish – certainly James reckons a catch of a lifetime considering the time of year and a session he will never forget! All fish were caught on maggot feeder.

James Lafferty with one of the fish he caught at Grey Mist Mere

Andrew Sangam hadn’t fished on Worthington Lakes for four years and didn’t know what to expect but on Saturday – his first session of 2021 – he need not have worried as he managed to catch a common carp of 14-8-0 followed by one of 17-11-0.

Both fish fell to a snowman rig baited with a garlic flavoured boilie. He also caught two bream in the two-to-three-pound bracket on Krill pop-ups.

Andrew Sangam with one of the common carp he caught at Worthington Lakes

Andrew Sangam with one of the common carp he caught at Worthington Lakes

Andrew Sangam with one of the common carp he caught at Worthington Lakes

Andrew Sangam with one of the common carp he caught at Worthington Lakes

This past weekend also saw mystery angler Matt R out on his first session of 2021 when he decided to try his luck at Rixton Claypits.

He set-up near the car park and was soon glad of the fact that he remembered to pack his wellies!

During his four-hour session he only had three bites, the first of which came after 90 minutes but was worth the wait when he slid his landing net under a 3-8-0 tench.

Only two small roach followed but at least Matt was out on the bank enjoying his sport despite all the mud.

Mike Pritchard really struggled for a bite on the Bridgewater Canal when he fished the dead-length on Saturday.

He ended up with four roach taken on pinky and had decided it was time to call it a day and started packing up when he noticed his float go under and he managed to reach it and struck into a good fish. Snap!

A few pike are being caught from the Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater Canals to spinning and drop-shotting. A few roach being reported from Appleton Reservoir but not exactly hectic sport.

On Friday, Martin James had a session on Appleton Reservoir for a few hours, which he described as hard work for only a few bites on the feeder but it still beats sitting at home!

There is a working party for essential maintenance at Sandiway Big Lake this Saturday (February 27).

Please would volunteers email Carl at carlwallace16@gmail.com so he is aware of those attending. Meet at the lake at 9am also please book in with Carl Wallace on arrival.

The fishery will be closed during the day from 9am to 3pm to all who are not involved in the working party.

Our WAA headquarters at 52 Parker Street, Warrington WA1 1LT remains closed on Friday evenings until further notice.

Members can simply post to this address or put their book or request in an envelope with their payment and a stamped addressed envelope through our HQ door, where mail is collected and dealt with most days.

Alternatively, you can post to Warrington Anglers Association PO. Box 71, Warrington WA1 1LR where mail is collected weekly.

You can still renew memberships along with your night permit online from our Warrington Anglers Association website. It works a treat on mobile, tablet, or laptop.

You must use the required numbers from both your postcode and membership number as printed on your booklet address label. Most tackle shops advertised in your membership book are open for click & collect.

I would really appreciate members to send me any of your pics, reports, or stories as at this time of the year, there is not a lot happening.

Good, bad or indifferent, they may help fellow members to plan any trips to the bankside.

Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a call on 01928 716238.